Blinkered by rivalry

Rivalries are one of the main factors behind football’s ongoing success, with teams up and down the country constantly striving to be better than they who shall not be named from down the road.

Unfortunately, with that power of football storytelling comes great responsibility and some fans continually fail to see the forest through the trees.

By this, we of course mean that there are numerous football supporters that refuse to acknowledge the talents of players from all around the world – despite it being abundantly clear to everyone else who watches them. Whether you have a particular disdain for the player in question or they stem from your club’s arch enemies, the view of logic becomes distorted for many.

Why? Because that’s how football works sometimes, and we’ve decided to try and pry open the eyes of those aforementioned critics to show them what they’ve been missing. Of course this can be better demonstrated in YouTube videos and during actual games, but just try and listen to reason here.

Kevin Phillips

Kevin Phillips may have been Europe’s top goalscorer once upon a time, but Wolverhampton Wanderers fans will never grow to forgive him. Understandable, considering he scored against them for rival sides Birmingham, Aston Villa and worst of all West Bromwich Albion. Image Source: Twitter

Ruud van Nistelrooy

This one is specifically directed at the Arsenal contingent, who refuse to get over Ruud’s behaviour during their clashes back in the early noughties. Many Gunners fans chose to overlook the Dutchman’s abilities, claiming that all he’s good for is being a goal poacher. Harsh.
Image Source: Twitter

Jamie Carragher

Carra was, and still is Liverpool through and through – but United fans will never choose to believe that his passion translated into actual footballing ability. Instead, you’ll likely hear the word ‘overrated’ thrown around when they speak of the former captain. Image Source: Twitter

Olivier Giroud

They say he only shows up every once in a while, but the tune of Spurs fans around the globe would be a lot different if Giroud pulled on the white and blue strip. He may be unorthodox, but the Frenchman is an incredibly talented forward. Image Source: Twitter

Emre Can

Can always seems to get a rough end of the stick in terms of fan reaction to his performances, when in reality he’s a solid addition to the Reds’ starting 11. He’s not up, he’s not down, he’s right in the middle.
Image Source: Twitter

Raheem Sterling

Raheem the Dream started off slow at Manchester City, but everything he touches turns to gold these days – well, sort of. The youngster is still much better than people give him credit for and he’s only going to keep improving as the years go on. Image Source: Twitter

Jonjo Shelvey

Shelvey has been wrapped up in a number of controversies over the years, but the one constant has been his tendency to guide the ball forward with the upmost precision. Unfortunately he also falls into the category of supposedly not being as good as advertised.
Image Source: Twitter

Pepe

Yes, Pepe is a fairly detestable guy based on everything we’ve seen throughout his career, but what a defender. The Madrid star has produced some sensational performances that have helped him towards picking up a lot of winners’ medals.
Image Source: Twitter

Sergio Busquets

The ultimate ‘heel’ in pro wrestling terminology. Sergio Busquets can roll around on the floor and hold his face as much as he wants, but we know in our hearts that the Spaniard is a top level midfielder. You know it to be true. Image Source: Twitter

Iago Aspas

Yes he wasn't great for Liverpool, yes he took *that* infamous corner, but he's tearing it up in Spain. Image Source: Twitter

Mario Balotelli

We'd like to think that Balo looks down his Twitter feed at the endless stream of abuse he receives and just laughs. Go look up his record in France, because he's doing a solid job. Image Source: Twitter

Harry Kane

From being a supposed one-season wonder to two to three, Spurs fans just sit back and laugh as their English talisman continues to prove the masses wrong. Image Source: Twitter

As you unclasp your fists and stop swearing to strike down on thee with great vengeance and furious anger, take a moment to glance through this list once again. So many of these players deserve respect, if not for their personalities off the pitch then for what they are able to do on it.

Seriously, you could make a fairly solid team out of these nine men alone. Stick De Gea and Ronaldo in there for good measure, too.

I'm a 22-year-old sports journalist covering football, MMA, NFL, WWE and more. I'm a Wolves fan, because for some reason I enjoy misery and heartache season after season.
Forever dreaming of a team of Steve Bulls.